Registered Traveler program to begin by year's end
After months of testing in airports around the country, Registered Traveler, a program where frequent fliers will be able to pass through security much faster with a biometric ID card will begin at the end of this year
After months of trials at some of the nation’s biggest airports, TSA chief Kip Hawley has announced that by the end of this year companies may begin selling security passes to frequent fliers to use by the end of this year. This program has been in the works for some time now and has promised fewer lines in airports, and quicker processing at security checkpoints.
The program was tested at airports in Los Angeles, Washington, Boston, Minneapolis, and Houston, ending in October. One private company continued tests in Orlando with approval from TSA. With this announcement, Registered Traveler may be deployed in up to twenty U.S. airports by December. Hawley stipulates that the program, which is expected to be run by private companies, must allow users to use their security pass at any airport which Registered Traveler is offered. Even though registering for the program, travelers must still be checked by airport authorities against the terror watch list, have their luggage checked, and go through metal detectors, leaving some airport officials wondering if the program will even work. According to Hawley results will vary at different airports, but the overall effect will be less time in line and at security checkpoints.
